Obituary of Benjamin Greening

Benjamin John Ronal Greening was born August 14, 1977 in Monroe. He was one of four children born from the union of John Greening and Marcia (Voigt) Greening. Ben attended Monroe Schools graduating from Monroe High School in 1995. Following graduation he attended Saginaw Valley State University and then Monroe County Community College . Benjamin was a hard worker and he loved his work. He also loved being outside and his chosen occupation of being a bricklayer and mason afforded him this opportunity for nearly twenty years. He was employed by Spartan and Brisco Brothers through the Local 1 Bricklayers & Masons Union. When he wasn't working, Ben loved to play golf, hunt, and fish. In 1983, the family purchased a cottage on Dewey Lake near Brooklyn. Ben spent many hours there honing his water skiing skills. He also enjoyed visiting Northern Michigan to snow ski. Ben always looked forward to family time and liked cookouts, but mostly just hanging with his children. Blessed with a beautiful voice of his own, Ben loved all genres of music and especially enjoyed the likes of James Taylor, Journey, Chicago, and many Country artists. Benjamin "Ben" John Ronal Greening, age 38, of Monroe passed away at home unexpectedly at 9:16am on February 22, 2016. His passing was preceded by his grandparents. To cherish his memory, Ben leaves his father: John Greening of Monroe; his mother: Marcia Greening of Monroe; two children: Benjamin David James Greening of Monroe and Avery Ann Leask of Monroe; three sisters: Nickole Louise (Edward) Jude, Kara Rachel Greening (Eric Kramer), and Rebecca Linde Greening; three nieces: Samantha Kramer, Grace Jude, and Sophie Jude; three nephews: Cole Kramer, Jacob Jude, and Tyler Jude; and numerous aunts, uncles, and friends. Friends may gather from 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday, February 26, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, February 27, 2016 also at Merkle's with Reverend George Fountain of CrossPointe Church officiating. Private inurnment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to his son: Benjamin. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.